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The BUZZ on Antioxidants...

Home > Articles > The BUZZ on Antioxidants...

The BUZZ on Antioxidants...
March 2009

The BUZZ on What is a Free Radical? What is an antioxidant?

Unstable Free Radicals ravage the skin, stealing from healthy skin cells which leads to wrinkles, age spots, loss of elasticity and assorted other aging skin care issues including the potential for skin cancer.

Free Radicals are unstable molecules that look to bond with other healthy molecules, destroying the vitality of healthy skin. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent free radicals from harming healthy tissue. Antioxidants used to be found only in food, but we have long known the benefits of applying topical antioxidants on the skin which helps to achieve and maintain a youthful appearance. Some of the most common antioxidants found in skincare products are Vitamins C (ascorbic acid), A (retinol) and E (tocopherol).

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been one of skin-care's hot sellers for many years years due to its proven effectiveness in the fight against aging. Topical Vitamin C can protect the skin from sun spots and UV damage. Vitamin C also has the ability to enhance the synthesis of collagen resulting in a firmer more resilient complexion. An apple will turn brown after a few minutes due to free radical oxidation and exposure to the air. If you can smooth on MD SkinCare's HydraPure Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum that apple will stay fresh for more than a day! Imagine what kind of anti-aging protection it can offer for your face!

Vitamin A (retinol) is known for its amazing ability to dramatically improve the appearance of skin. This antioxidant workhorse smoothes away wrinkles, decreases fine lines, evens out rough spots and brings back a natural color and tone to the skin.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) protects the skin against free radicals caused by pollution, bacteria, UV radiation, and aging. Topical Vitamin E helps skin look younger by reducing the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Vitamin E has long been recognized for its ability to moisturize by reducing transepidermal water loss from the skin and strengthening the skin's barrier function.

Antioxidants in skin care are a critical component to any skincare routine. By including antioxidants in your rejuvenation regimen you are significantly increasing the skin's ability to protect from further free radical damage, while significantly healing past damage.